Dr. Shuibing Chen, an assistant professor of chemical biology in surgery and of chemical biology in biochemistry, in July won the 2016 Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and American Association for Cancer Research Career Development Award for her proposal, Targeting Chemoresistant Stem Cells in Pancreatic Cancer." The award includes a two-year grant of $200,000, and is designed to attract and support junior faculty at academic and medical institutions, and to foster their research in pancreatic cancer. Dr. Chen will investigate the molecular mechanism that regulates the chemoresistance of TRA-1-60- and TRA-1-81-positive cancer stem cells, while also testing a drug's ability to effectively target TRA-1-60- and TRA-1-81-positive stem cells and stop or slow the growth of cancer cells.
Dr. Brandon Guenthart, a fellow in surgery, on May 19 won first prize for Translational Research at the 25th annual Surgery Research Competition hosted by the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. Dr. Guenthart was awarded $1,000 for his project, "A Novel Platform for Prolonged Extracorporeal Lung Support." The Surgery Research Competition promotes the work of young investigators attempting to further scientific advancement through research.